Passing Down Wisdom

Discovering a life worth living depends on choices rather than pretenses of happiness. It's important to focus on what can be discovered at every stage of life rather than strive to conceal the certainty of aging. Attempts to disguise aging become barriers to experiencing the fullness of life God provides.

In some cultures older people are honored for wisdom they pass on to the younger generations. Unfortunately, our society believes aging is an affliction and must be avoided. Self-imposed restrictions on aging often serve as hindrances for receiving the positive benefits of growing older.

My grandmother could not read or write due to circumstances beyond her control. Yet she gained incredible wisdom and passed it on to young people who were drawn to her. She was given the secret of Proverbs 24:14: "Know that wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off." Grandmother discovered life was worth living at every stage of her life.  

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Since my youth, God, you have taught me,

and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.

Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God,

till I declare your power to the next generation,

your mighty acts to all who are to come.

~Psalm 71:17-18 New International Version

Joy at Every Age and Stage

Coming to terms with getting older is an issue that’s difficult for both men and women. As medical technology advances, the average age span continues to increase. You can live a healthier life for a longer period of time, but are you happier as our culture centers on youth and beauty?  

Youth carries an imagery of perpetual possibilities. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow sums it up. “How beautiful is youth! How bright it gleams with illusions, aspiration and dreams.” We want to believe in a fountain of youth, in finding a lifestyle that guarantees happiness.

An adolescent girl expressed anger and disgust with her mother’s attempts to look, talk and act like her teen-aged daughter. Her mother insisted on being friends and hanging out with her daughter’s friends. It is possible to experience the joy and satisfaction that’s given to you by Christ Jesus at every stage of your life. Contentment is assured by accepting the identity God designed for you, so welcome his joy for living each stage of your life!  
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Young people take pride in their strength,

but the gray hairs of wisdom are even more beautiful.

~Proverbs 20:29 Contemporary English Version

So teach us to number our days,

that we may present to You (God) a heart of wisdom.

~Psalm 90:12 New American Standard Bible

Aging by Stages

It's not uncommon for a young person to want to hurry up and get older for the explicit purpose of having more freedom and privileges. The conflicts of late adolescence and young adulthood tend to center around identity issues that include separating from family of origin.

All too soon the days of youth are left behind, and aging seems to accelerate. The first real hint of this phenomenon shows up around thirty. Up to this point you've been considered a young person, but now you’re thrust into middle age, which may bring on an identity crisis that may have been brewing for years.

The Apostle Paul’s secured life made a radical shift from persecutor of Christians to someone commissioned to carry the Gospel of Christ Jesus to the Roman Empire. Aging within each stage of adult development includes defining what kind of follower of Jesus you aspire to be. Fulfilling God’s design and purpose for you produces joy, confidence and great expectations for all eternity. 

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So be very careful to act exactly as God commands you. Don’t veer off to the right or the left. Walk straight down the road God commands so that you’ll have a good life and live a long time in the land that you’re about to possess.

~Deuteronomy 5:32-33 The Message